How much do you make? (Please don’t tell me.)

Not many things are taboo in the workplace. If I wanted to, I could probably find out who my coworkers are dating, whether or not they’re sticking to their diets, if they’ve taken their morning shower, and all sorts of other tidbits that I’d probably be better off not knowing.

This guy is also Taboo.

Actually, the only topic that is taboo is salary.

I think that’s a good thing.

I read an article on Careerbuilder.com that listed careers with surprising salaries. And I just had to look. I mean, what could I have been making if I chose a different field? How does my salary compare to others? (None of your business, by the way!)

As human resources professionals, you all have access to your coworkers’ salaries. In fact, you probably helped set the salaries of new hires.

So, just wondering, do you like knowing that which must not be mentioned by your colleagues? Do you wield your power wisely? Personally, I don’t think I could handle such knowledge.

The other day, after too many margaritas, my roommate came dangerously close to spilling her salary to me. I must say, I was curious. But then, thinking about it, I’m glad I don’t know. As long as she can pay rent, I’m happy. And as long as I don’t know that my coworkers are making more money than I am (and whether they took their morning shower or not), well, I’m happy with that too.

Jessica Livingston
Editor
jessica.livingston@e.bim.com